In an industry long dominated by global heavyweights, Global TechSolutions (GTS) is carving out a competitive edge through speed, adaptability, and strategic localisation. The Southeast Asia-based SME is steadily reinforcing Malaysia’s position in the semiconductor value chain by offering integrated engineering solutions and a resilient, regionally mirrored supply model.
“We mitigate risks through a diversified sourcing strategy and regional repair capabilities,” says Kenneth Lee Wee Ching, CEO of GTS. “In Malaysia, this gives our clients nearshore access to critical services, reducing dependency on single-source components and improving response time.”
GTS’s operational footprint spans Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the United States, enabling business continuity even during geopolitical tensions or logistics disruptions. This redundancy model is central to how the company safeguards production timelines for its clients across the semiconductor landscape.
Malaysia remains a strategic hub in GTS’s expansion plans due to its strengths in assembly, testing, and advanced packaging. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the country contributes approximately 13% to global semiconductor packaging and testing activities, underscoring its pivotal role in the industry.
“A strong local presence allows us to deliver faster turnaround, cost efficiency, and customised support—advantages that centralised global players often struggle to provide,” Kenneth explains.
The company’s ability to deliver end-to-end equipment solutions, from parts and refurbishment to installation and field service, provides significant value for Malaysian fabs that require flexibility and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving sector.
“GTS stands out because we are agile. We offer a full suite of semiconductor equipment services tailored to different customer needs, and we can qualify and deploy solutions quickly,” Kenneth says. “Our streamlined decision-making helps us outperform larger competitors burdened by slower internal processes.”
Beyond its business operations, GTS is also playing an active role in supporting Malaysia’s broader semiconductor ambitions. The industry continues to face challenges such as increasing operational costs, limited access to advanced fabs, and talent outflow. Malaysia experiences an average annual brain drain of 15% in the semiconductor sector, highlighting the need for focused talent retention strategies.
“We’re investing in local partnerships, training, and process innovation to help bridge the gap between industry needs and technological advancement,” Kenneth says.
As part of this commitment, GTS is exploring the establishment of an advanced semiconductor parts manufacturing and development site in Malaysia. This move aligns with the government’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which includes a RM25 billion (approximately $5.3 billion) investment to bolster the sector.
Technology also plays a key role in GTS’s growth. The company is investing in predictive maintenance systems, AI-driven diagnostics, and automation tools designed to increase yield and reduce downtime. “Digital transformation underpins everything we do,” Kenneth notes. “Even as an SME, our data-driven approach allows us to scale faster and compete in a high-precision environment.”
Looking ahead, GTS anticipates Southeast Asia will become an increasingly important player in the global semiconductor space, especially as supply chains shift and AI adoption accelerates. Malaysia’s semiconductor exports reached approximately RM575 billion (US$130 billion) in 2024, reflecting its growing significance in the global market.
“Malaysia is well-positioned to anchor regional supply chains due to its strategic location and strong manufacturing base,” Kenneth says. “With the right investments and partnerships, the country can play a leading role in assembly, testing, and advanced packaging.”
For SMEs eyeing growth in this competitive sector, Kenneth offers clear advice. “It’s not about doing everything. It’s about knowing where you add value, moving quickly, and solving real customer pain points. Agility is a superpower.”
By staying focused on its strengths and aligned with regional growth trends, GTS is showing that size is no limitation when backed by innovation, speed, and strategic clarity.
